PIA Press Release2006/10/11

CPA enforces strict security to help LGUs reduce crime rate

By Minerva BC Newman

Cebu City (11 October) -- The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) is implementing strict security measures at the ports area through the inspection of all passengers who arrive in Cebu to prevent the entry of criminals and fugitives.

CPA general manager Angelo verdant said, "We want to help Cebu's local government units reduce crime rate and prevent the entry of criminals." Since it is the primary responsibility of authorities of the ports of origin, Verdan added, they are closely coordinating with them and also with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The CPA will require all passengers to pass the X-ray and walk-through machines before boarding the vessels. With the strict implementation of security at the ports, CPA expects that gunrunners, illegal traders of firecrackers and pyrotechnics can not ship their illegal goods from Cebu to the Visayas and Mindanao areas. Verdan is confident that hired guns and robbers could not bring their firearms to Cebu.

"Passengers entering Cebu who bring unlicensed firearms and without a permit to carry will be immediately disarmed at the port," Verdan said.

Meantime, Chester Cokaliong, general manager of Cokaliong shipping lines said, his firm requires identification cards (ID) when buying tickets and even those boarding the vessels. However, Cokaliong, who is also the president of the Visayan Association of Ferryboats and Coastwise Service operators (VAFCSO) is not aware if other shipping lines implement the same policy.

In the national scene, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the incidence of street crimes in the country has gone down by 42% during the 3rd quarter of 2006 from 4,175 in the same period last year to 2,404.

PNP chief of directorate for operations, P/dir. Wilfredo Garcia said, that of the number, a 48% decrease in drug pushing or from 1,889 cases in the 3rd quarter of 2005 to 982 in the same period this year has been noted. Robbery also declined by 19%; theft by 52%; swindling by 60% and physical injury by 47%, Garcia added.

"We must be swift in addressing street crimes and resolving unwarranted killings and uphold everyone's right to life and peaceful living," said PNP Chief Oscar Calderon during his report on his first 100 days in office. (PIA-Cebu) [top]